I’ve lived in Brooklyn nearly 3 years, 2 of which I’ve spent in picturesque Park Slope. Like many, I am fond of the historic brownstones, its proximity to Prospect Park as well as Manhattan, and its eclectic mix of ‘hip’ and family-friendliness. Residents here really care about their nabe–sometimes to a fault–but the passion is often reflected positively in the way they take care of their tree-lined streets and avenues, especially in the warmer months. If you’re in NYC, especially Brooklyn, on a sunny afternoon, Park Slope is an outstanding neighborhood to take a stroll. There are some great restaurants and pubs in the area, as well as some unique shops worth perusing. And Prospect Park is a destination in and of itself. But often the best part is simply taking a walk up and down some of the most beautiful tree-lined boulevards in all of Brooklyn and enjoying views of stately brownstones and lush gardens with a little people watching along the way. To learn more about Park Slope, the architecture, and its history, visit the Park Slope Civic Council and the Brooklyn Historic Society. In the meantime, to inspire you to take a ‘7th Inning Stretch’ and visit, enjoy some photos I took this Spring and Summer of some of the nabe’s beautiful gardens.

New York City is great! No, I really mean it. I’ve lived in Brooklyn for almost 3 years now, and as much as I love New England (and my New England sports), I really enjoy the energy of the City as well as the opportunity to experience so many activities, sites, and events within minutes across the entire NY metropolitan area: world class museums, parks, on and off Broadway shows, live music, and an array of dining options reflecting the City’s diversity. And in April, I had the good fortune of coming face to face with former Red Sox great and Hall of Famer, Jim Rice, and the 2004 and 2007 World Series trophies right here in NYC.

Back in mid-April, in recognition of Fenway’s 100th anniversary festivities, MLB Fan Cave and the Sox, set up a rare opportunity for fans to meet the Red Sox HOF’er and to check out the trophies in Manhattan. Even Wally The Green Monster made the trip. I found out about it on the day of the event on Twitter and proceeded to re-arrange my schedule to swing by for a ‘7th inning stretch’ with the Red Sox HOF’er. No way was I going to miss out! And as luck would have it, my son and I were both home that day, so fortunately I was able to take him with me to share the experience.

Although I was too young to enjoy Jim Rice’s finest years, I remember seeing him play for the Sox in the late 1980s and appreciate his contributions to the game. And as an avid fan, it would be really cool to meet a Hall-of-Famer who once played for my favorite team. I even dug up one of my old Jim Rice baseball cards.

Jim Rice, Topps, 1990

Within 30 minutes, including a few stops on the F train and a few blocks’ walk, we were at MLB Fan Cave, located at 4th Street and Broadway, right in the heart of Greenwich Village. And being that it’s Manhattan, and not Boston, we had only to wait a couple minutes to meet Jim Ed and the trophies.

My son and I with Jim Rice and the 2004 and 2007 World Series trophies.

It was a real honor to meet Jim Rice and to check out the World Series trophies up close–and to share that experience with my son was priceless. My little guy wasn’t yet born when the Sox came back to defeat the Yankees in the 2004 ALCS and went on to win their first World Series in 86 years. And he was only 2 1/2 when the Sox swept the Rockies to win the 2007 WS. So to be able to high five Jim Rice with him while checking out the World Series bling was a bonding experience with my son that I’ll never forget. And the best part–it happened in NYC! Thanks Mr. Rice, MLB Fan Cave, the Red Sox, and NYC! Go Sox!